Length and correction marker in dictating machine



June 14, 1960 2, LA FOREST 2,940,761

LENGTH AND CORRECTION MARKER IN DICTATING MACHINE Filed 001:. 27, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 25 I "IHIIIII 27 11:12: "'1 24 :j 27

i1 i -pih a INVENTOR June 14, 1960 z, LA FOREST 2,940,761

LENGTH AND CORRECTION MARKER IN DICTATING MACHINE Filed Oct. 27', 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 V/AW/A'I/ g '1 I INVENTQR -I I BY Law's LIAFores T 1 154 l vm 9i V Patented June 14, 1960 LENGTH AND CORRECTION MARKER 1N DICTATING MACHINE Filed Oct. 27, iassjser. No. 543,210 4 Claims. 01. 274-1 This invention relates to improvements in machines adapted for recording and reproducing dictation and is herein described in connection with such a machine for recording on and reproducing from disc records, but no unnecessary limitation of the invention to disc-record machines is intended.

An object of the invention is to provide for marking the index slips of dictating machines of the character described and claimed in the Somers application, Serial No. 347,875, filed April 10, 1953, now Patent No. 2,866,- 647, dated December 30, 1958, by means of a single rocking blade instead of two blades, either by hand at the machine or by a solenoidic structure remotelycontrolled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a single rocking blade in a dictating machine, said blade having slotting points at opposite ends thereof, and means for rocking said blade in one direction to give one indication and in another direction to give another indication on an index slip.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single rocking blade in a machine of the character described, in which rocking in one direction gives a length indication and rocking in the others direction gives a correction indication.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken with the accompanying drawings. 'It will be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and do not define the scope or limits of the invention, reference being had for the latter purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote like parts in the several views:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a dictating machine embodying my invention.

Figuer 2 is an enlarged partial top plan view of the dictating machine mechanism as seen with the top section of the housing removed.

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan of the solenoid-operated mechanism for rocking the blade which marks an index slip in the machine, the solenoid structure itself being shown in horizontal axial section.

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional View on the line IV--IV of Figure 2, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View corresponding generally to Figure 4, but showing the blade in a slotting position, the section otherwise being on the line VV of Figure 3, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in perspective of an index slip.

Figure 7 is a diagram of the circuit for operating the solenoids of the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line VI'II VIII of Figure 9, corresponding generally to Figure 4, but omitting to show the slotting blade, and showing an alternative or additional form including manual blade-op crating means.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan of the mechanism shown in Figure 8.

The improvement of the present invention is in a preferred embodiment incorporated in a dictating machine such as generally disclosed in the aforementioned Somers application, Serial No. 347,875, filed April 10, 1953, and having common ownership with the present application. It may thus have a housing or case comprising relativelyflat lower and upper pan-shaped housing sections, 11 and 12, which are generally rectangular as viewed from the top and which meet mainly on a medial plane represented by the line 13 in Figure 1. The lower section is desirably of one piece construction, but the upper section comprises front and rear members, 12a and 12b, the latter section being shown broken away. These sections meet at the break line 14, also shown in Figure 1. The housing sections may be secured together by screws (not shown) to form a structure which is substantially closed except for a long horizontal slot 15 in its right side for insertion and removal of disc records, and a long opening 16 in the forward right hand portion of the machine, constituting a clearance opening for a pointer 99.

The lower housing section, which also serves as a frame for the machine, has an upstanding post on which is journaled a tubular shaft for a turntable 18, as in the application referred to. The shaft carries a worm gear which meshes with a worm wheel 19 on a feed screw 21 supported at its ends by bearings, only one of which is indicated at 22. The turntable is driven in the direction of the arrow 23 from the drive pulley of a motor (not shown), as in the application referred to. The drivepu-lley may be coupled through a belt to a drive wheel having a driving spindle for engagement with a frictional idler wheel 24, all as in the application referred .to. The idler wheel 24 is urged, as by means of a tension, spring (not shown), against the peripheral rim of the turntable and against a brake shoe (not shown).

The idler wheel is also journaled, as in the application referred to, so that by turning a control lever it may be moved from the brake shoe along the peripheral rim of the turntable into frictional engagement with the driving spindle. This frictional drive is disclosed and claimed in the pending Dietz application, Serial No. 319,825, filed November 12, 1952, now Patent No. 2,753,026, dated July 3, 1956, to which reference may be had for a description as to details.

'Gverlying a central portion of the turntable is a frontto-backextending bridge 25 having footlike end portions 26 seating on the lower housing section and secured there to as by means of screws 27. On this bridge and axially in line with the turntable is an interior bearing 28 rotatably receiving a plunger rod 29, which carries a record-clamping member 31 at its lower end. The plunger rod is moved upwardly and downwardly by a transversely extending U-shaped lever 32 which is pivoted to the right side of the bridge 25 on a cross pin 33. Secured to the inner end' of this U-lever is a fork 34 having diametrically opposite pins 35 which engage a peripherally grooved portion of the record-clamping member 31.

The U-lever 32 is coupled to a door 36, hinged to the top section 12 of the housing. The door, when opened as shown in Figure 1, provides space for the fingers in mounting and removing disc records. There is a coupling between the door and the U-lever 32, so that the recordclarnping member 31 is engaged and disengaged with respect to the turntable 18 as the door is closed and opened. For details of the record-clamping means, see the pending Dietz application Serial No. 320,025,

' which meshes with the uponrotation of V the carriage frombeing'movedby hand.

"41' on which is journaled a roller 42,

.2. This roller 42 rides on a Thus, themain carriage 38 rides on-the rodfil'r'at V H ward end and ishinged to and propelled by the'subca-r- A 'tab 44 projecting rear- 7 V Q3 serves to prevent any substantial exert suitable pressure of the it pywa l of I a cross. 1154 .carriediby the gimbal r a to which tending lift pin,

' in'a raised position,

. intermediate position only November 12, 1952, now Patent No. 2,793,864, dated May 28, 1957. a

As in the Somers application previously referred to, there is preferably provided a subcarriage 37 mounted slidably on vcross rods (not shown). The subcarriage 37 1 also desirably has a bracket plate- (not shown)-,'to a cenin -:tef portion of which is staked a vertical stud pin (not shown); on'which is journaled a-feed 'nut (not shown),

feed screw 21, means being provided' so that the feed screw is frictionallyheld'snfticiently against rotation tb-cause the-'subcarriage '37 to be driven saidjscrew, but insufiiciently to prevent The main carriager 38foverlies he subcarriage 57 and comprises a hollow rectangular casting 38a provided 1 with a forward extension 3811 terminating in downward- 1y extending feet 39 which are apertu'red for engagement with trunnions (not shown) carried by the subcarriage 37,'as in theSomers application referred m, Secured to the rearward end'of the .main carriage is a stud pin as shown in Figure carried by and projecting leftward frorn the bridge 25.

riage 37 at its forward end. 7 wardly from the main carriage bel owthe cross rod 7 V upwarddisplacement of the main carriage. l

" A recorderAs is-mounted in the rearward portion of the main carriage 38 by a pair'o'f conical-pivot pins 46 threaded through the. side walls of the carriage. This recorder has a stylus '45a-at its forward 'endfor engaging a record mountedon the turntable 18. 'Biasing'force to' V stylus against the; record the weight of the recorder ay be provided partiall by 47 l etween and partially by a tension spring the tailpiece .481o f the recorder and an overhanging tab 49 011 the main carriage.

A- reproducer 51 is mhntedin the front portion of themain carriage withuniversal (lateral and-vertical) 1 freedom of movement.

The 'n 'versal mounting for the jeproducer may compriseSagimbal ring 52 p1v ote'd' to the g-tailpie'ce of the reproducer 'is-pivoted; The reproducer 1 has'stylus' 51a atitsrearwardend for engaging a record under. the influence of its own weight. Ina normally centralized positionof. the reproducer, the stylus thereof engages a-record at a short trailingdistance behind the recorder, with respect to the direction Of advance of the carriage.

'Therecorder' and reproducer eachjhasa laterally ex- 55 and'56, at theflfree end portions thereof, by which they may be lifted from the record. Lifting is done through-a lever mechanism 57. mounted on the right wall of the main carriage and operable by a lift rod 58 that extends parallel to the pathof travel .of'the carriage. This lift rod is mounted for upand- 1 down movement on parallel arms 59 and 61*.which are secured to a shaft 62 journaled in the bridge 25. The

reference is made to the pending .Dietz application Serial ribyszonzs, before mentioned;

the main carriage on a'vertical. pin 53, and

both the recorder and reproducer are a e f '7 32,940,761

7 central portion by a horizontal cross rod 43 its rear- 7 subcarriage 37 as The record reproduction control mechanism, not here shown but corresponding with that of the Somers application referred to, is mounted on the left end portion of a long bracket plate 63, extending the full length of the machine at the front end'thereof. This bracket plate is secured near its right endto a lug 64 on the bridge 25 as by means of a serew 6 5. 7 It is supported near its feet 63a at the lower endof a flange 63b extendin'g 'along the front of 'the'bracket plate. The foot 63a is seated on'and'secured to a-ledge 6 6 as by fa screw '67. It is secured at its left end by a screw 68 to a post 69 upstanding from the lower housing-section.

The bracket plate and carrying a second verticalbea-ring (not shown) in line with the first bearing. These bearings support a shaft 74 for rotational and for vertical translational movement. On the upper end of this shaftthereis secured a control knob 75. When the shaft is in its downward, or record position, he control knob is disposed in -a center recess-or well 7 f the upperhousingmember ua. This well'is substantially larger in diameter than the knob to provide easy 'access to the latter'bythe hand s o that the knob may be raised into reproduce position'as desired. a

V Securedtothe lower end of the shaft 74 is a-pinion wheel 77 for engagement with a rack ,7 8 -secured the by screws 79. This frackextends laterally from the s bcarriage in line withits direction of travel. However, itis only; when the contr ol knob "75 is raised into reproduce position that this engagement occurs. Whenthe knob is inrecord position, the pinion 77 is below the rack and out of engagement therewith. Thispinion-rack arrangement enables the subcarr'iage 37 and the maincarriage 38 secured theretoto vberho veii forwardly and backwar'dly through their paths of travel by rotation of the control knob=75wheri that knob is in its reproduce position. By such rotation, thecarriage can be shifted to backspaced or advanced positions. Sinee the co ntrol knob 75' is raised by hand and since the teeth of the pinion 77 are likely to be out (if alinenicnt with those of the rack 78 as the: knob is manually raised,

- it isd'esirable that there be vertical yieldability, between on lygpast the last to reconstruct the. line oftlioughtsbeing dictated as after the pinion and rack m prevent forcing the pinion against the rack as one endeavors toraise the knob. Such yieldability is desirably provided as disclosed in the'pe'nding Som'ers application previously referred to.

Frequently, the requirement for listening back extends few words orsentence to enable one an interruption such as a telephone call. Such limited listening back to ones lastlportion of recordation is accomplished in the present machine simply by turning the knob 75 clockwise through a fraction of a turn while in record position. In so doing the audio circuits are shifted from the recorder to the reproduc'er while main taining both the recorder and reproducer, in engagement with the record, but with the reproducer at a trailiii'g'distance behind the recorder as hereinbefore mentioned. While maintenance of' the recorder on the record during such limited listening back -toonesrecordatioh will cause idle grooves in be formed ahead of the recorded area to the extent of the trailing distance betweeh the recorder and the reproduc'er, it has the advantage of maintaining a progressive uninterrupted groove in the record which is' beneficial in maintaining proper tracking during playback.

g The upper housing member, 12a has a long'horiz'ont'al channel 81 (Figure 4) open attire right end thereof and extendingnearly to the well76 for receiving an index slip 82, such as'shown inFigure 6. The channel 81 is 4. The topwall has a recess r 63 hasa vertical bearing 71 at its left. end, and has a right-angle lug' 72 depending therefrom width of the channel at the open end thereof, as shown in Figure l, to expose the right end portion of a mounted slip 82 so that the slip may be grasped readily when it is to be removed. Also, the top wall has a slot 85 extending from the recess 84 throughout the operative length of the slip 82 to expose a central band portion thereof. Similarly the bottom plate has a slot 86 to provide access to the lower surface of the central band portion of the slip for index punching means 87 to be next described.

The index punching means 87 is in the form of a blade having two slotting points 88 and 89. It is mounted for sliding movement on a rod 91 which is journaled in cars 92 and 93 upstanding from the plate 63. Pivoted on and depending from the rod 91 is a bail 94. The lower horizontal edge of the blade 87 is in proximity to the bail 94, as seen in Figures 4 and 5. From this arrangement, it will be evident that a rocking of the bail will impart a rocking movement to the blade 87 to cause its points 88 and 89 to alternatively rise and fall. The blade 87 underlies the index slip 82, after being inserted in the slot 81, so that either of the points 88 and 89 will cut through and slot the slip 82 as they are selectively rocked upwardly by movement of the bail 94.

The blade 87 has a spool-shaped bushing or collar 95 engaged by a small carriage 96 sliding on a support rod 97, the ends of which rod are respectively received in the cars 92 and 93. This carriage 96 desirably has a rearward extension of the top wall portion 96a bent around the waist of the bushing 95, so that it elfects the desired travel of the blade 87. The portion 96a also has a downward extension 96b at its front which carries the pointer 99, shown in Figures 1 and 4. To this extension 96b is also attached an operating cord 98, as by means of a clip 149 held on the extension 9617 asby means of a screw 150. The rocking of the bail 94 and associated blade 87 may be effected by hand in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9. It is, however, desirably efiected by means of a novel solenoid structure now to be described.

The actuating solenoid structure desirably comprises two U-shaped members 101 and 102 (Figures 2 and 3) secured together in any desired manner as by welding at 103.. These members are shown provided with a base flange 104 which serves to secure them to the bridge 25, as by means of screws 105. Threaded through each ofthe legs 106" and 107 of the members 101 and 1112 is a-stationary' pole element 198 adapted to cooperate with a magnetizable armature 109 disposed therebetween. The armature has end extensions 111 and 112, like a shaft therethrough, slidable in appropriate apertures in the pole elements 108. The extension 112 is longer than the extension 111 and onto it is threaded a cradlelike element 113. Engaging this element is the arm 114 of a bell-crank lever 1 15.

This bell-cranklever 115 is biased to neutral position by centering tension springs 120, and oscillates about a vertical pivot member 116 which may be carried by the plate 63, as shown in Figure 5. The other arm 117 of the bell-crank lever 115 is provided with actuating finger 118 which fits a cradle-like element 119 depending from and secured to the bail 94 as by means of rivets 121, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Two solenoid coils, 122 and 123, are respectively supported by the pole elements 108 and have connections to respective switch buttons, 124 and 125, for closing an electric circuit to energize one coil or the other. When a coil is energized, the plunger or armature 109 will move in its direction, and vice versa with respect to the other coil, so that the bell-crank 115 will be rocked about its shaft 116 in a direction determined by the coil that is energized.

Referring now to Figure 1 and the wiring diagram of Figure 7, we see that the combination microphone-transmitter and switch device 126, connected to the machine by an electric cord 129, and which may be held in the operators hand, is provided with a microphone 127, carries switch buttons 124 and 125, and also has the master switch 128 for stopping and starting the machine. This device 126 is connected to the machine 12 as shown in Figure 7 except that the wiring for the switch 128 is not shown, The plug 131 which connects to a source of power, such as volt, 60 cycle, may be of conventional type. This power goes to a rectifier 132 from which line 133 passes from the plus side through a current-limiting resistor 134 to a condenser 134a. The negative side of the rectifier, from which line 135 extends, may be grounded as indicated at 136.

When both of the switches 124 and are in open position, as shown in Figure 7, the condenser 134a is continually in charging connection with the rectifier through line 133, resistor 134, line 137, switch 124, line 138, switch 125, and line to the negative pole of the rectifier. When the operator desides to rock the blade 87 to slot the index slip 82 with a correction mark, he pushes the button switch 124 carrying the letter C in Figure 1. He thereby establishes a circuit from the condenser'134a, through line 137, switch 124, line 139, solenoid coil 122 and line 141 to the other side of the condenser, thereby operating the solenoid by discharge of the condenser. This rocks the bell-crank lever 115 counter-clockwise as viewed in Figure 3, rocking the blade87 also counter-clockwise, as viewed in Figure 4, to bring the point 89 thereof up through the index slip 82, thereby making a corresponding correction mark.

When, however, it is desired to apply a length mark to the index slip 82, the button switch 125 is depressed, energizing the solenoid 123 from the condenser 134a, through line 137, switch 124 in upper position, line 138, switch 125 in lower position, line 142, solenoid coil 123, and line 141 to the other side of the condenser. The position after rocking of the blade 87 for the cutting of the length mark :by means of the slotting point 88 is illustrated in Figure 5.

The blade 87 ismade of sheet-like materiali.e., material of uniform thicknessso that it will have double inside edges 88a and 89a leading from the pointed ends thereof. These inside edges are made sharp, as by grinding, so that the blade will have a cutting-out rather than a piercing action. Since the blade sweeps sidewise through the index slip at an oblique angle thereto, it cuts out tabs 82a of the index material to provide the index slip with marking slots without raising any mounds at the edges of the slots and without blanking out any punchings since the tabs remain attached at their ends as indicated in Figure 6. In view of these features the index slip is provided with clean-cut slots which form clearly-defined length and correction marks.

The small indexing carriage 96 is moved throughout the length of scale 143 on the index slip 82 in direct propor: tion with the travel of the carriage 38 for the translating devices, by a coupling comprising a drum 144 journaled on a horizontal pivot extending forwardly from the subcarriage 37, as shown in Figure 2. The drum has a pinion gear 145 secured thereto which meshes with a rack 146 that is mounted on the lower housing section 11 and extends in a direction parallel with the direction of travel of said subcarriage. At the right end of the machine is another drum 147 journaled on a fixed horizontal pivot 148 secured to the flange 63b of the plate 63. The cord 98, previously referred to, is secured to and trained about each of these drums and leads from the top edge of one drum to that of the other. It is constantly held under ten-' sion by a torsion spring (not shown) but acting on the drum 147.

As the translating devices are advanced across the record, the cord 98 is unrolled progressively from the drum 144 and taken up by the drum 147 under the influence of the torsion spring, to cause the index carriage 96 to be advanced rightwardly in amplified progressional drum except for the recess 7 along its length, a blade the drum. 7 t

"In the embodiment These keys are formed as levers pivoted'on an extension 154.otthe.sup-..

' port rod corresponding with that de's ignatedf97f'to the previous embodiment. 'The blade-carrying rod'gdesig 151a where the 'cord leaves in an oblique directlonthereto whereby to cut a Stetin the slip without seve'ring 'any punchings-therefro'm;

of Figures '3 and 9,1114% provided 7 V tor the rocking of the blade 87 by alternativezmeans comprising indexing keys 152' and 153.;

nated '91 in the preceding embodiment, is alsoiextended as indicated: at 155 and carries 'a or crank membe: 156 adapted to be alternatively operated by the keys 152 and153'. a

I;This membert156 is, fixed on theirod extension by suitable means, such; as;

arms 15,8 and 159 overlying the porajfrivet 15,7, and includes oppositely extending tions 'ofthe keys 7-152 and 153 to the left of the supp rt rod extension 154, as viewed 'in Figures 8 and 9,and adapted to be respectively engaged'by said hey portions. These keys are biased counter-clockwise by means of torsion-springs 161 and 163. V The former actsat onegend of the key 152 and at its other-end on astud162 projecting from the mounting ear 92 of theplate 63. The torsion spring 163 likewise has one endengaging the key 153 and the other engaging'the stud-162. it

In accordance with the present: embodiment gwhen it is desired-to make a correction mark on an index slip 82, the key 7152 is depressed or turned clockwise against the action of the spring 161, to therebyrock counterclock- V fwisetherod 91"and the associated 9 4 inthisinstance at least fixed thereto by suitable means such as rivet 169,

as viewed in Figure 8, tocorrespondingly by means of 2. The index punchin'g'means set'forth'in claim tee prising a rod'along the path otfsaid' indexcar'riage on which said blade is rockably and slidably mounted, abail' pivoted at its ends on end-portions of said rodbeyond,

the path of traveling movement of the gbladegthe po'ftio'n' of said bail along said rod being in rcoupled re'lation with said blade about said rod while providing for movementof the blade along the rod,fland means connected to-said bail for rocking the blade'in either direction.

3."Apparatus for indexing the movementof a 'Carria'ge', along a stationary frame by providing a plurality ofdifierentiating marks for any g'ivenrposition of said carria g e, comprising 'a. blade mounted for traveling movement and" for pivotal movement about its central portion in a plane transverse toits direction of traveling movement, said blade being of a sheet-like materialhaving-pointed ends and having sharp inside edges leading from each pointed end and outer edges leading in a contour including said about said central portion, an index slipmounted on said frame with one of its faces closely adjacent the ends of said blade and at a lesser distance from said central-portion of the blade than is the distance of said pointediends from said central portion of the blade, means'for moving said blade in correspondence with said carriage, and' means selectively operable' tolrock said blade about'its pivot in either direction to cause'oneend of-the'blade' V to cut through the slip in an oblique directionztheretoand said bail rock the blade 87 and make acorrectionrmark on the index slip 82 by'pe forating the latter with its slotting point 89. When, however, it is desired to rnake alengthvmark, the key 153 is-depressed or-turned clock- ,wise rocking the rod '91 to the p'ositicir of 5 'to V slotthe index slip 82 by the point'88 andmake acor'responding length mark.

W It will, of course, beunderstood-that these keys and 153'may be carried as alternative to the solenoid-actuating structure, previously described, or in addition thereto If the latter, then the actuatio'n of the blade- 8 7 {may be either electrical or manual; 4 i 0 The embodiments hereinparticularly shownland, de-

7 scribed are-intended to be illustrative and not limitative' subject to changes and modisince the embodiments are 7 from the scope ofvmy invenfica 'ons without departure tion, which I endeavor to define in the following claims.

I claim:

I 1. 'An index punching means for a tdictatin g machine comprising an index carriage, means :for supporting an' index slip unbacked at both sides ofits centralportion tion of said slip, saidblade having pointed ends of the width of said sheet-like material confronting said' slip and having sharp inner edges leading from eah'pointed end and outer edges leading from each pointed end-within a contour including said pointed'ends and ar cuateabout a center point spaced equally from said pointed ends at a distance greater than the distance of said center point from said slip, means pivotally supporting said blade for rocking movement about said center point,'andmeans for of sheet-like material carried 7 t with said carriage in transverse relation to the central por- 7 through thetindex slip in an oblique direction" curl outwardly a narrow it 7 whereby to cut a narrow slot inithelindexislipiwithout", V cntting free anyof theimaterialrtherefrom, .andaoperable,

curl outwardly a narrow tab of the slip material whereby to cut a narrow slot in the slip without severing any of; the material therefrom. V t 1 4. An' index punching meansifor a dictating machine comprising a movably' mounted index carriage, means for supporting an index ,slip along the'path of said carriage? and unbacked at both sides of its centralportion aiong the; major portion of the length thereof, a bladeeonsaid' caririage overlying one side of said index slipzin transverse re-; lation thereto, said blade having a sheet-like cutting .p'ortion provided with pointed cutting :edges at: 'its opposite. ends confronting said side of said'indexzslip; means pivot-.-

ing said blade tov said carriageeat a point.--be'tween said;

pointed ends for rockingm'ovement ofithe bladejnleithei I tocdtrertmandi direction to cause either pdintedl end of theflblad ab of the indexshpi materialx means slidably connected to said lbladelthrong'houtfthetraveling movement of the latter along saidzindexislip for; 7

rocking said blade selectively in either direction toflcuta narrow slot in saidindcx slipinear one edge. or thanth f according to the direction in hichithe bladgisrfocked References Cited'in the {file of pateiit V 'UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,754,503 Dwelle Apr. 15 1-930 2,148,861 Kan 2s, 1939 2,154,029 Brown 11, 1939 2,184,914 Gramann 2,567,318 Braun ."ljl'; 1951 2,613,939 Moore .jl4 1952 2,628,841 Dann et'al. i; 1751953' from each pointedend with- 7 pointed ends and arcuate 

